What the results mean in El Paso’s primary election

There were a few surprises and upsets in Tuesday night’s primary election results, not the least of which was Veronica Escobar getting a lock on the county judge seat.

UTEP political science professor Greg Rocha says that for Escobar, the vote is a good indication to her of approval moving forward.

“What she has, I think, is a pretty good mandate, going into her next term of office,” Rocha said. “And that gives her some freedom with which to decide what it is she wants to do. Again, she won outright in a pretty tough race.”

With no challenger from another party, Escobar’s win yesterday is essentially re-election for her.

But another surprise came from a state House race that is going to a run-off in District 76. Former legislative aide Cesar Blanco will be facing off against former state Rep. Norma Chavez after they knocked out incumbent Naomi Gonzalez for the seat.

“I think in the case of Cesar Blanco – here’s someone who’s a new face,” Rocha said. “And maybe it’s not so much that people don’t know about him, but perhaps they’re looking for somebody new, and somebody different. And clearly, given that Representative Gonzales finished in last place, meant that she had much more baggage there than I think most people expected, although it was very close between she and Norma Chavez.”

Going into the runoff on May 27, Rocha said that one of Chavez’s biggest issues will be fundraising. Campaign finance records show that she largely used her own money to finance the race, but Chavez is known for being a good campaign organizer, which may help in the coming months.

Rocha said Blanco has some significant support, both within and outside of El Paso, and has the legislative experience to back up his run.

Above all, Rocha said that for a runoff, the most important thing is for a candidate to get supporters to the polls and vote.